Following on from the Hussars I've now started some additional French infantry from Redoubt Enterprises for my F&IW/Sharpe Practice 2 project. Two painted so far, ten to go!
Monday, 6 March 2017
Sound the Charge!
Just a short post to show the latest additions to two of my projects: the 11th Hussars c1793 for the French army in my Wars of the French Revolution project and Emmerich's Chasseurs, a Loyalist volunteer unit for my AWI project. The Hussars are from Trent Miniatures, painted by yours truly, while the Chasseurs are from Perry Miniatures, painted by my chum Phil Robinson of Olaf'sHQ Painting Service ~
Sunday, 5 March 2017
A gift which sums up all the best in our hobby!
I have a theory that our postwoman only ever delivers hobby related parcels for me when I'm out. I'm such a regular at the collection depot that I no longer get asked for my ID! Come Friday, and rain notwithstanding, we had been out shopping when on our return there it was on the mat, the 'Tried to Deliver' card! So, up with the lark on Saturday and off into town before the shoppers' rush to collect what we assumed was the last of the books I'd ordered from Wordery for Sue! Not so it turns out, a ruddy big parcel addressed to me! So, off back home with said parcel and swiftly into GHQ to open it and savour its delights!
Time to confess now though; I knew what it contained as soon as I saw who it was from, I just wasn't expecting it until next week. I'll just go back in time a little, if you'll indulge me for a while. I was at Partizan on my 65th birthday and found that Laurence and Richard, urged on by Duncan, had placed birthday wishes reminders on every Games table. Consequently I received birthday wishes not only from friends but from complete strangers too! One such turned out to be one Colin Ashton, author of one of my all time favourite blogs, "Carryings On Up The Dale". We chatted for a good while and found we had quite a lot in common, all part of a grand day really. Then we met again at Claymore later in the year and chatted some more. That turned into regular exchanges and chats via the internet and the exchange of information, sources and little items that were surplus to requirements. In one such exchange recently, Colin mentioned he had an Armoured Train stored somewhere in his War Room that was no longer needed and asked if I could make use of it. Of course, I said yes thank you, I'm sure I could, steeling my stretched finances in dread of how much it might be. Well, it turned out that Colin intended it as a gift! I'd got the wrong end of the stick, but what a gesture, eh? I'm now the proud 'Fat Controller' of an Armoured Train for our VBCW games. To me this just sums up neatly all that is best about our wonderful hobby and puts those few who only carp and criticise into their true perspective. So, this post is a Thank You, not just to Colin, but to all those around the world who carry the torch for all that's best in human nature and in our little hobby! Now, here's Anthony the Armoured Train ~
You'll probably have noticed that there is no railtrack! It's being made/enhanced by Andy at The Last Valley. I hope to see at least some test pieces at WMMS next Sunday. Speaking of which, time for a list I think.
Time to confess now though; I knew what it contained as soon as I saw who it was from, I just wasn't expecting it until next week. I'll just go back in time a little, if you'll indulge me for a while. I was at Partizan on my 65th birthday and found that Laurence and Richard, urged on by Duncan, had placed birthday wishes reminders on every Games table. Consequently I received birthday wishes not only from friends but from complete strangers too! One such turned out to be one Colin Ashton, author of one of my all time favourite blogs, "Carryings On Up The Dale". We chatted for a good while and found we had quite a lot in common, all part of a grand day really. Then we met again at Claymore later in the year and chatted some more. That turned into regular exchanges and chats via the internet and the exchange of information, sources and little items that were surplus to requirements. In one such exchange recently, Colin mentioned he had an Armoured Train stored somewhere in his War Room that was no longer needed and asked if I could make use of it. Of course, I said yes thank you, I'm sure I could, steeling my stretched finances in dread of how much it might be. Well, it turned out that Colin intended it as a gift! I'd got the wrong end of the stick, but what a gesture, eh? I'm now the proud 'Fat Controller' of an Armoured Train for our VBCW games. To me this just sums up neatly all that is best about our wonderful hobby and puts those few who only carp and criticise into their true perspective. So, this post is a Thank You, not just to Colin, but to all those around the world who carry the torch for all that's best in human nature and in our little hobby! Now, here's Anthony the Armoured Train ~
You'll probably have noticed that there is no railtrack! It's being made/enhanced by Andy at The Last Valley. I hope to see at least some test pieces at WMMS next Sunday. Speaking of which, time for a list I think.
Tuesday, 28 February 2017
The Battle of Pharztstadt
As I've just completed a third Foundry Foot Guards regiment for my SYW British army, the choice of game for this Monday in GHQ was really a no brainer. A straightforward encounter battle on a generally terrain neutral table seemed the best way of reintroducing ourselves to Honours of War after a substantial passage of time. It turned out to be the right approach in what was an eventful and enjoyable few hours in GHQ. Phil chose the command of the British, leaving the French to my alter ego, Le Comte de Merde. As we were busy rule checking and on unfamiliar details I find I didn't take as many pictures as I usually do, but I hope the few I have will help tell the story of the Battle of Phartzstadt ~
The French centre, with the Guards drawn up in reserve behind a brigade of Grenadiers supported by the Wild Geese. Light Infantry, the Voluntaires de Soubais, screen the advanced line ~
Hussars and Dragoons move to the left flank, crossing the river by an ancient stone bridge, hoping to find a weak spot as the British right flank advances ~
The British are alert to the threat and mobilise a Brigade to advance on the ford and cross the river to block any move by the French cavalry on that flank. However, the second Brigade on the right fails to move, leaving the advancing composite Grenadier Battalions somewhat exposed to a thrust by the French Brigade to their right front ~
Away on the British left the 'Greys' and Dragoon Guards advance to meet the French heavy cavalry, lead by the Curassiers du Roi, coming under fire from the French heavy artillery emplaced on a convenient hill. The French Household Cavalry Brigade fails to advance to support its brethren. But in the centre the Guards Brigade advances briskly on the farm, forcing the French Light Infantry to evade ~
On the French right flank cavalry swirl back and forth in a series of decisive melees. Although the French loose two regiments to rout the Horse Guards are routed and the 'Greys' and Dragoon Guards forced to Retreat. Following p their victory, the Mestre de Campe's Regiment destroy the 'Greys', who Rout through the Dragon Gards causing them to rout also! The Horse Grenadiers' position looks precarious as more Household Cavalry advance on their front! In the French centre a solid wall of steel and shot awaits the halting British advance ~
Bravely pressing forward, the Guards Brigade attacks the French held farmstead of Phartzstadt. The First Foot Guards are routed by a combination of French artillery and infantry fire {not to mention my exceptional dice throwing at that point!} The Second Foot Guards fare no better and the Third never make their attack ~
The battle reaches its climax when the British Brigade of Grenadiers is repulsed by the French Grenadiers Du Roi, even though the Grenadiers De France were forced to retreat. On the French left, the Line Infantry hold off their attackers, while the feint by the Hussars and Dragons has successfully tied down a British Infantry Brigade and a Regiment of Dragoons ~
At that point the British had lost half f their army in rout and a French victory was declared. "Vive Le Roi! Vive Du Merde!"
A thoroughly enjoyable and fast moving game we both felt as we mulled things over while enjoying coffee and cake. The rules definitely have an C18th feel to them in game play and rattle along at a good pace. Phil says we didn't get much wrong in the game when it came to applying the rules and interpreting them on the tabletop, always an issue for wargamers I feel. Then next game here in GHQ will be in two weeks time, after the Alumwell/WMMS Show, so I must see about a shopping list. I've also got to finish the 11th Hussards for my Wars of the French Revolution project this week if I can, so no time to tarry. Au Revoir mes Amis!
The French centre, with the Guards drawn up in reserve behind a brigade of Grenadiers supported by the Wild Geese. Light Infantry, the Voluntaires de Soubais, screen the advanced line ~
Hussars and Dragoons move to the left flank, crossing the river by an ancient stone bridge, hoping to find a weak spot as the British right flank advances ~
The British are alert to the threat and mobilise a Brigade to advance on the ford and cross the river to block any move by the French cavalry on that flank. However, the second Brigade on the right fails to move, leaving the advancing composite Grenadier Battalions somewhat exposed to a thrust by the French Brigade to their right front ~
Away on the British left the 'Greys' and Dragoon Guards advance to meet the French heavy cavalry, lead by the Curassiers du Roi, coming under fire from the French heavy artillery emplaced on a convenient hill. The French Household Cavalry Brigade fails to advance to support its brethren. But in the centre the Guards Brigade advances briskly on the farm, forcing the French Light Infantry to evade ~
On the French right flank cavalry swirl back and forth in a series of decisive melees. Although the French loose two regiments to rout the Horse Guards are routed and the 'Greys' and Dragoon Guards forced to Retreat. Following p their victory, the Mestre de Campe's Regiment destroy the 'Greys', who Rout through the Dragon Gards causing them to rout also! The Horse Grenadiers' position looks precarious as more Household Cavalry advance on their front! In the French centre a solid wall of steel and shot awaits the halting British advance ~
Bravely pressing forward, the Guards Brigade attacks the French held farmstead of Phartzstadt. The First Foot Guards are routed by a combination of French artillery and infantry fire {not to mention my exceptional dice throwing at that point!} The Second Foot Guards fare no better and the Third never make their attack ~
The battle reaches its climax when the British Brigade of Grenadiers is repulsed by the French Grenadiers Du Roi, even though the Grenadiers De France were forced to retreat. On the French left, the Line Infantry hold off their attackers, while the feint by the Hussars and Dragons has successfully tied down a British Infantry Brigade and a Regiment of Dragoons ~
At that point the British had lost half f their army in rout and a French victory was declared. "Vive Le Roi! Vive Du Merde!"
A thoroughly enjoyable and fast moving game we both felt as we mulled things over while enjoying coffee and cake. The rules definitely have an C18th feel to them in game play and rattle along at a good pace. Phil says we didn't get much wrong in the game when it came to applying the rules and interpreting them on the tabletop, always an issue for wargamers I feel. Then next game here in GHQ will be in two weeks time, after the Alumwell/WMMS Show, so I must see about a shopping list. I've also got to finish the 11th Hussards for my Wars of the French Revolution project this week if I can, so no time to tarry. Au Revoir mes Amis!
Wednesday, 22 February 2017
Marmite for Wargamers?
Wargamers can sometimes come over as a rather curmudgeonly bunch you may have noticed from time to time, and I am certainly no exception to the rule I have to confess, but just sometimes I hear or read something which really gets my goat. Now mostly it is Phil and Jon who have to bear the brunt of any ranting, but occasionally I have aired my views to a wider audience, either here on my Blog or on one or other Forum group I visit. Now today I read something on a Blog I frequent which really did leave me pretty much in despair, but on reflection just might have been typical of wargamers of my vintage. What was it you ask? Well, a piece reflecting on how poor wargames magazines, and Wargames Illustrated in particular, were when compared to some 'lost Golden Age' typified by Practical Wargamer. It never ceases to amaze me when folk ponder on whether things were better when 'they were a lad'. Of course they weren't, it just sometimes seems that way through the distorting lenses of nostalgia. Things change for all of us and time marches on pretty much regardless of what we may think or want and I cannot for the life of me see the point of harking back in our hobby. Banana Oil and plasticine anyone? Drawing pins for shields? Riders pined to horses with the wife's sewing pins? Not for me, I'll take the bang up to date every time!
Now, when it comes to magazines I happen to think this is really our Golden Age. We enjoy two monthly and one bi-monthly glossies to wet our interest in our obsessions. They are each different in focus and audience and to complain about one because it isn't just how you would want it seems somehow perverse to me. If something really does leave you flat, well don't buy it, as I usually now avoid buying one of the three, though I do look at Phil's copy. Alternately, you could always submit articles or ideas for articles. But then it's easier to moan isn't it, forgetting that Editors can only choose from what they have to hand, than to sit down and write a piece. As readers of my Blog must know from my ramblings, I have written dozens of pieces for both the old and the new incarnation of Wargames Illustrated, none of which have made me rich or famous, but all of which have been my meagre effort to give something back to my wider hobby in return for the joy it and my friends who share my passions have brought me. As the good book says, "Go thou and do likewise."
If wargames magazines occasionally produce the same opposite responses as does Marmite ~ Vegimite for our colonial cousins ~ then wargames figures eclipse even them when it comes to provoking extreme responses. Take my case as an example: I really like Dixon Miniatures' ACW and Wild West ranges, but both leave others I know in despair and, do you know what. I just don't understand why that should be as to my eye they are wonderful. Or conversely, take Old Glory figures, which sell by the shed load; they always look to me like folk in the grip of St Vitus's Dance! We are so spoiled for choice now with figures, scales, and even plastic figures, that there really must be something for everyone if you look carefully enough. 'Golden Ages'; the problem with them if you are always harking back is you just don't see you live in one right now. As proof, if you will, that we all see things through the lenses of experience and preferences, here are my latest figures fresh from the painting desk: Foundry SYW British infantry in firing pose, painted as Foot Guards to give my army its third Foot Guard regiment. I think they really nail the C18th look, but I do realise that is by no means the view of others. Marmite you see ~
Now, when it comes to magazines I happen to think this is really our Golden Age. We enjoy two monthly and one bi-monthly glossies to wet our interest in our obsessions. They are each different in focus and audience and to complain about one because it isn't just how you would want it seems somehow perverse to me. If something really does leave you flat, well don't buy it, as I usually now avoid buying one of the three, though I do look at Phil's copy. Alternately, you could always submit articles or ideas for articles. But then it's easier to moan isn't it, forgetting that Editors can only choose from what they have to hand, than to sit down and write a piece. As readers of my Blog must know from my ramblings, I have written dozens of pieces for both the old and the new incarnation of Wargames Illustrated, none of which have made me rich or famous, but all of which have been my meagre effort to give something back to my wider hobby in return for the joy it and my friends who share my passions have brought me. As the good book says, "Go thou and do likewise."
If wargames magazines occasionally produce the same opposite responses as does Marmite ~ Vegimite for our colonial cousins ~ then wargames figures eclipse even them when it comes to provoking extreme responses. Take my case as an example: I really like Dixon Miniatures' ACW and Wild West ranges, but both leave others I know in despair and, do you know what. I just don't understand why that should be as to my eye they are wonderful. Or conversely, take Old Glory figures, which sell by the shed load; they always look to me like folk in the grip of St Vitus's Dance! We are so spoiled for choice now with figures, scales, and even plastic figures, that there really must be something for everyone if you look carefully enough. 'Golden Ages'; the problem with them if you are always harking back is you just don't see you live in one right now. As proof, if you will, that we all see things through the lenses of experience and preferences, here are my latest figures fresh from the painting desk: Foundry SYW British infantry in firing pose, painted as Foot Guards to give my army its third Foot Guard regiment. I think they really nail the C18th look, but I do realise that is by no means the view of others. Marmite you see ~
As I think I said, Marmite for wargamers. They will do for me though. Now back to the VBCW on the painting desk to finish off Princess Sudhira's Rifles. Next game in GHQ? A SYW game of course using Honours of War rules.
Wednesday, 15 February 2017
Romani ite domum!
I went to R.O.B.I.N. on Sunday with Phil. As a show, nothing short of awful from my point of view: hardly any games; mostly second rank traders, and then Fantasy/Sci-Fi in the main; a half hour queue for a coffee; no heating; I could go on, but we'll draw a veil over the event I think. Suffice it to say we won't be going back, if there's ever another that is!
But, I did get my MDF base Martin at Warbases had kindly made to order for my villa! So, the villa was based on Monday morning and left to dry overnight so I could texture the base on Tuesday before dealing with other more important issues of real life. This morning I've applied some static grass patches and a few coloured tufts, representing weeds and flowers. Less is more in these cases I think; I often see other folks bases and scenic bits and bobs which are overegged in my eye with grass, tufts and flowers. Anyway, you can make up your own mind. The roofs remain a work in progress. Martin showed me a prototype tiling sheet effect for the Roman range, so I hope to pick that up at Carronade in May and finish my roofs off then. In the meantime, here is Villa Pompus in its pomp ~
But, I did get my MDF base Martin at Warbases had kindly made to order for my villa! So, the villa was based on Monday morning and left to dry overnight so I could texture the base on Tuesday before dealing with other more important issues of real life. This morning I've applied some static grass patches and a few coloured tufts, representing weeds and flowers. Less is more in these cases I think; I often see other folks bases and scenic bits and bobs which are overegged in my eye with grass, tufts and flowers. Anyway, you can make up your own mind. The roofs remain a work in progress. Martin showed me a prototype tiling sheet effect for the Roman range, so I hope to pick that up at Carronade in May and finish my roofs off then. In the meantime, here is Villa Pompus in its pomp ~
Finally, I couldn't resist this homage to 'The Life of Brian' ~
Saturday, 11 February 2017
"Non Potest Facere?"
"Ita, Possumus!" As they say around here. All the basic work on my Warbases villa complex is finished now. I should collect a 3mm MDF bases from Martin at R.O.B.I.N. ~ assuming neither he nor I are snowed in tomorrow! That will mean the six components can be glued permanently into position and some groundwork added to help the piece blend into the terrain here in GHQ. I had intended to work a stone effect foundation around the exterior walls but I must admit that I'm not so sure now. We shall see. In the meantime, have a look at the work so far and see what you think ~
The exterior walls, which you recall I stippled with Basetex, I dry brushed with Crafter's Acrylic: firstly 'Sand', then 'Cream', then 'Light Antique White'. The roofs are, temporarily, painted with 'Burgundy Rose'. One tip for when you glue in the mosaics and wall coverings: paste the PVA on the MDF, not on the paper! It slides into position more easily that way. Do let me know what you think if you have a minute. Off now to get a 'List' together for R.O.B.I.N. tomorrow, perhaps I'll see you there...
Friday, 10 February 2017
Robertus Artifex dicit...
Having allowed the stippling a couple of days to harden off, the first task is to paint the walls and wooden trellis work which encloses the portico corridor linking the two wings to the main villa building by two doors. The two connecting doors, by the by, can be pressed out in the construction phase and glued ajar. I've opted to leave mine closed. I think that the wooden door jams on the main building will be red at this stage, while all three wooden doors will be blue. Here's a look at the portico area before any paint is applied ~
I also tried a dry fitting of the mosaic pavement I've sourced from the Internet for the portico corridor flooring. I think it looks quite ok myself ~
It was very time consuming sizing all the various mosaic floors and painted walls I found on the Internet and I still have one or two walls to deal with, but here finally is a dry fit of a possible interior for the villa ~
I've left a blank MDF border around the top to allow for the roof fitting lugs to sit in place. I'll probably paint the blank internal areas red. The front internal wall of the main villa building will be red also with a frieze running across above the line of the door and windows. Anyway, down to painting later today. Vale!
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